Police

Police Chief Arrested for Fuel Theft

The Chief of the French Settlement (La.) Police Department was arrested for using a fleet fuel card to fill up his personal pickup truck. Harry Brignac was charged on three counts: injuring public records, malfeasance in office, and misdemeanor theft. His bond was set for $50,500, according to a release from the Livingston (La.) Parish Sheriff’s Office.

The incident happened on May 15 just after 7 a.m. The Sheriff’s Office said Brignac used a fleet fuel card at a convenience store to purchase 24 gallons of gasoline totaling $60.

“This purchase was not authorized by the Village of French Settlement. This unauthorized purchase was captured on video surveillance. Brignac was in his police uniform,” Livingston Sheriff Jason Ard said in the statement.

French Settlement Mayor Toni Guitrau said that a routine check of monthly fuel use by the police department noted some discrepancies. The village turned the matter over to the Parish Sheriff’s Office to investigate. The investigation is ongoing.